The ‘Stranger Danger’ Issue in Japanese Neighbourhoods: Children’s Perceptions, Experiences and Drawings

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This article studies the issue of stranger danger in neighbourhoods based on children’s perceptions, experiences and drawings. The finding confirms that stranger danger might be a less problem for children in Japan. Nonetheless, it was revealed that some strangers are still trying to approach children who walk alone in neighbourhoods. To many, stranger danger is depicted as a non-familiar male person who concealed their identity with sunglasses, mask, hat and dark clothes. It was found that children who had no actual stranger danger experience are more likely to draw strangers with a weapon. Regardless of their depiction that might bring a concern to the guardians, children in this study had shown us that a good stranger safety skills and safe territory knowledge can keep children safe from stranger danger threat.